Removably attachable storage device

ABSTRACT

A temporary storage device fabricated at least in part of memory stretch material (such as synthetic rubber, e.g. polychloroprene material and the like. A storage portion of said device may be fabricated from the same polychloroprene material and is configured with at least one defined storage pocket. An attachment portion of the storage device has defined therein at least one generally annular stretchable opening. This attachment opening, due to the elastically stretchable quality of the device fabric will be stretched sufficiently to surround and cling snugly to a support stanchion such as a bedpost commonly found on a bunk or loft bed. More than one attachment opening of different sizes can be defined in the attachment portion so as to sizably correspond with different posts. The suspended storage device remains in place due to its gripping elasticity as well as gravity pull which distorts and further tightens the elastic opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/457,240 filed on Feb. 9, 2011, and entitled“Bunk Pocket,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference inits entirety for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to item and material storagereceptacles. More specifically the present disclosure relates totemporary storage devices for personal items and materials forconvenient access.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The popular use of cell phones has soared throughout the last twodecades. These personal devices not only help people stay in touch withfamily, friends and businesses, they have become a principal link to theoutside world. Today, nearly six billion subscribers across the planetkeep cellular devices close by, not just for emergencies but as aconstant connection to a global network of people, data resources,vendors and entertainment media. Mobile digital devices are ubiquitousand indispensible, with applications that range well beyond conveyingand receiving personal messages. Among the rapidly expandingapplications are guidance aids, remote banking and retail transactions,weather monitoring, event scheduling, wakeup alarms or meetingreminders, sports and entertainment on-demand, and even healthcaremonitoring with vital sign transmission capability.

Personal reliance on such devices continues to escalate along with thepopular demand to have them nearby at all times. Nowhere is the passionfor immediacy and proximity more acute than the typical college campuswhere the first generation to grow up along with emerging mobile phonetechnology and related electronic devices. They insist on maintainingtheir communication devices always within arm's reach—even as theysleep. However, the convenience of bedside access to electronic devices,or any personal items for that matter, is not always easily maintained,particularly in sleeping quarters where bedside tables or nightstandsare unavailable.

As a case in point, college dormitory furnishings are minimal. Bunk bedsor lofted beds almost always lack bedside tables. Even where such tablesare available, they remain beyond easy reach of upper bunk occupants whoare considerably elevated. Moreover, any small bedroom usually cannotaccommodate bedside furnishings satisfactorily addressing users' need tomaintain close proximity to their phones. The bedside access problem isnot limited to mobile phones, but may encompass other electronic devicessuch as a TV remote or portable media player. On a more personal level,convenient bedside access is typically desired with respect toeyeglasses, lip balm, pen, penlight, keys, dental guard, medication,inhaler and other articles, sundries and personal equipment. Thisproblem is not new. It exists in a vast number of venues apart fromcollege campuses and has been coped with in a number of different ways,all of which remain largely unsuccessfully.

Many people essentially live with the status quo by simply maintainingneeded items as close to bedside as practical. This usually meansplacement the items in a bureau drawer or bookshelf, on an adjacentdesktop or window ledge, or directly on the floor adjacent or beneaththe bed. This solution obviously is far from ideal. Arising from bed ina darkened room to answer a phone call or retrieve other needed items ormedication not only is an exhausting inconvenience but posesconsiderable risk of injury from falling. This certainly can behazardous for those sleeping in a lofted bed, and particularlydistressing for all who are ill and on a prescribed medicine dosageregimen.

For many others, this substantial inconvenience has driven them to stowmobile phones and other items beneath pillows, mattress pads or withinthe bedcovers. Lodging items and devices beneath pillows or somewhereamong the bedcovers too often results in an uncomfortable sleepingsituation. Beyond that, the user faces annoying loss of important itemsamong the linens or permanent loss through accidental laundering. Notinfrequently, a mobile phone or other breakable items may accidentallyslip or be kicked from the bedcovers to the floor where it remainsunreachable, damaged, or both.

Gawronski's U.S. Pat. No. 6,778,874 addressed this problem with a smallshelf configured to be clamped onto a bedpost or other bed structure.Another proposed bedside storage solution is the bedrail pouch whichfunctions by hanging over a bedrail while restrained by mattresspressure against a portion of pouch fabric. Examples are presented indesign patents, U.S. D522,750, granted to Girod and U.S. D420,510granted to Rotan. Bookbags and purses are sometimes used in much thesame way. Each of these solutions is functionally challenged whenblocked or obscured by bed linens considerably limiting or preventingready access to items therein. They also are prone to working loose andfalling to the floor, sustaining damage or loss of contents. Besides, ahanging pouch, purse or similar bag device is easily removed by someonewhile the owner sleeps. Chairside storage units that either drape acrossthe chair seat or are directly fastened to cushion fabric are depictedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,229 issued to Ledford and U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,608issued to Simien. These patented devices are in no way comparable to thepresent disclosure in that each lacks the distinct advantages affordedby a unique elastic interconnection to a generally vertical stanchion orbedpost.

Contrary to the attempted solutions discussed above, the removably,elastically secured storage device disclosed herein securely and safelymaintains mobile phones and other important personal items directly atbedside. The storage unit described herein presents a minimal profileand positioning capability so as to avoid bedding interference. Thedisclosed device clings tightly where it is temporarily affixed so as toresist stealthy removal while its owner is sleeping. With its elegantlysimple construction and ease of application, the disclosed device isimmediately adaptable by any user with a need to keep items within reachat bedside. As will be appreciated, the present disclosure is directedat solving the noted problems and offering special advantages in a costeffective manner.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Presented herein is a unique removably attachable storage deviceconfigured especially to temporarily secure cell phones and otherpersonal items at a location easily accessed by the user. The storagedevice described herein as particularly applicable to bedside use whereit securely engages a bedpost or other adjacent, generally verticalcolumn or stanchion, and serves to present stored items for immediateretrieval on demand. Obviously, broader application of the disclosedstorage device can extend to any stationary fixture or structure suitedto its unique interconnection qualities as will be explained below. Theunique storage device remains in place without slipping or falling dueto the elasticity and anti-slip properties of the material from which itis fabricated.

The novel storage device essentially includes two attached or integralportions, namely an attachment portion and a storage portion. Theremovably attachable storage device is set in place by forcing astretchable opening (defined in the above-noted attachment portion)snuggly about a bedpost or other generally vertical stanchion. Thestretchable opening is elastically distorted to ensure a grippingconnection. In this manner, the device storage portion is disposed so asto be suspended (apron-like) generally downwardly along the post orstanchion, ready to serve as a convenient storage receptacle.

By force of gravity the device's pliable, elastic material is furtherstretched causing the attachment opening to be distorted, therebyconsiderably increasing gripping traction. Cumulative weight ofitems/devices placed within the storage portion to increase devicetension about the post, thus drawing it ever tightly. Once stretchablysecured about a post or other generally vertical stanchion, this noveldevice remains snuggly in place, free from interference with bed linens,pillows, and such, but conveniently within easy reach for retrieval ofpersonal items. The device may be moved relatively easily at any time,for portability or more secure storage as necessary.

As noted above, college campus dormitories are known for limitedcapacity for furnishings. A lack of bedside table space poses a majorchallenge for students virtually physically linked to their mobilephones and similar electronic devices. Of course, bedposts arecommonplace on college campuses. Dormitory bedposts can be wooden, metalor durable composite material and may be generally rounded or polygonalin cross-section. Regardless of the post or stanchion material orcross-sectional profile, the removably attachable storage device isfabricated to be slipped over the post top via at least one definedmounting opening in an attachment portion thereof. This defined openingcan be defined as having virtually any shape—round, oval, polygonal—butmust of course be somewhat smaller in size than the post about which itwill be positioned. A relatively even, uninterrupted opening edge,however, holds certain advantages in terms of avoiding stress failurepoints. No other product in the marketplace forms a fabric-based elasticgrip securement to a generally vertical bed post (or other stanchion) soas to suspend a storage cavity therefrom to retain miscellaneous itemsat bedside (or other location to be accessed by user).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of the removably attachable storage device;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of said storage device in an initialposition for securement to a bed post or other stanchion shown here (byway of example only) as having a generally polygonal cross-section);

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of said storage device initially beingpressed or worked into secure position on a bed post or other generallyvertical stanchion;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view similar to that of FIG. 3, but withsaid storage device illustrated as progressively forced generallydownwardly about the bed post or other stanchion;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation illustrating the storage device in operativeposition about said bed post or other stanchion;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective of the present invention mounted on saidbed post or other stanchion and in use as a storage device formiscellaneous items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The removably attachable storage device 10 includes at least two parts,including an attachment portion 12 and storage portion 15 as will beexplained. In fabrication, storage portion 15 is configured to define atleast one storage zone; by way of example only, the illustrated versionof this storage zone presents two defined overlapping storage cavitiesor pockets 13, 14. These pockets could be side-by-side (not shown),depending on the nature of items to be stored therein. Of course,additional pockets can be defined by adding (partially or fully)overlapping fabric panels suitably sized and configured for specificstored items. Clearly, as depicted, overlapping defined pocket cavities13, 14 extend generally laterally from edge to edge (11) of said storageportion 15. Defined cavities 13, 14 are formed for temporary andconvenient containment of any of a variety of devices and/or relativelysmall articles as mentioned hereabove.

At least attachment portion 12 of device 10 is fabricated of a rubberymaterial, i.e., fabric distinguished as having an elastic textureresembling rubber in that it is flexible, elastic, pliable and durable.The term elastic, as used in the present context, is descriptive of amaterial that easily resumes its original shape after being stretched orexpanded. Thus, the chosen fabric should be stretchable, with measurableelastic memory. While rubbery material is by no means required forfabrication of the storage portion 15, unitarily fabricatingsubstantially the entire storage device (portions 12 and 15) from asingle rubbery material stock holds obvious advantages. For example,manufacturing from a single stock is usually more efficient and lessexpensive. Moreover, noted qualities of rubbery material include bothnon-slip and cushioning effects thus more safely securing items placedtherein.

As an example of fabrication material, excellent results are obtainedthrough use of a memory stretch fabric material commonly available underthe registered trademark NEOPRENE®, a popular fabric selection from afamily of synthetic rubbers produced by polymerization of chloroprene.In other words, Neoprene® is a polymer of chloroprene and moregenerically referred to as polychloroprene. This material offersoutstanding performance and advantages due to its ease of fabrication,low coefficient of friction and inherent non-slip properties. However,other materials well known in many respects as generally equivalentalternatives could well suffice. For example, certain polyurethanescould be substituted where sturdier material is desired. Moreover, otherfamily members and equivalents thereof may be selected as well and withvarying results. Key to the success of the removably attachable storagedevice 10 is that it comprises rubbery fabric of an elastic nature andexhibit non-skid or gripping qualities when stretchingly applied. Foradded convenience, the device 10 could include portions thereoffabricated or coated with material or substance that glows in the dark.

As for mechanical structure, fabrication material for the removablyattachable storage device 10 may be single ply or multi-layered with anedge 11 distinguished by stylistic trim such as spandex or nylon.Similarly, certain portions could be padded or lined, or treated (e.g.,so as to include waterproof or cushioning qualities). That said, it mayof course be advantageous in terms of simplicity and cost effectivenessto manufacture the overall device 10 from essentially a single material,with edges 11 suitably reinforced by trim material for wear andaesthetics.

The attachment portion 12 of removably attachable storage device 10 mayinclude multiple attachment openings 20, 24 of various sizes and shapesdefined by inner edges 22, 23 respectively. For example, a smallerstanchion or bedpost 40 may necessitate application of the device 12 viaits smaller opening 20 defined therein at inner edge 23. Application ofopening 23 would be appropriate where tapered stanchions (not shown) arefound on headboards and the like. Clearly, there may be any reasonablenumber of attachment openings of varied sizes as long as the strength ofportion 12 is not compromised. Further, various opening widths andshapes can be used to create a uniquely desired result. Definedattachment openings 20, 24 typically are formed in-process as eachdevice 10 is manufactured or fabricated, but may have openings and otherfeatures custom-formed subsequent to manufacture, even at the site ofapplication.

Theoretically, there is, no limit to the actual dimensions of theremovably attachable storage device, particularly with respect to sizeof openings 24, 20. But, practically speaking, said openings simply mustbe slightly smaller than the stanchion or post 40 on which they are tobe mounted so as to ensure a secure fit therewith. As an example, and inno way to be considered limiting in scope, for uses with typical bunkbed structures, it is suggested that the defined opening 24 be in therange of 1.0 to 1.9 inch diameter. The smaller defined openings 20 couldbe in the diametric range of 0.5 in. to 0.9 inch.

With the elastic form-fitting attachment portion 12 in place around abed post 40 or other suitable stanchion, the natural strength andelastic grip of the fabric about the bed post 40, coupled with thegravitational pull downward, the defined pocket 13, 14 has a significantload capacity without slip or movement down the post surface.Considering the storage device 10 capacity and the nature of productsexpected to be secured therein, it would be rare that cumulative objectweight would exceed this tolerance.

With respect to utilizing the novel device disclosed herein, FIGS. 1-5considered in sequence clearly illustrate the progressive stagesrequired for mounting the removably attachable storage device 10 on astanchion 40. Specifically, the attachment portion 12 of device 10 is tobe affixed to generally vertical bedpost (side) surface 40. In FIG. 1,portion 12 is prepared (laid out) for temporary attachment. In FIG. 2the device 10 attachment portion 12 is manually pressed against thejoinder of side surface 40 and top surface 42 of the bedpost. As opening24 (defined by portion 12 fabric edge 22) is continuously stretchablyapplied to side surface 40 it begins to surround the post, see FIG. 3.With further manual pressure, opening 24 widens to surround post surface40, see FIG. 4. In this position, attachment portion 12 can be manuallyforced generally downwardly. The attachment portion 12 is nextvertically adjusted to a desired level (in this example, with respect tothe position of a user within the bed). This device 10 mounting processshould take only seconds to perform.

Given the relative size of opening 24 in attachment portion with respectto the bedpost surface 40 profile, movement of portion 12 along surface40 is considerably challenged due to the gripping, frictionalinteraction and the elasticity of the rubbery fabric used in fabricationof attachment portion 12. Once in place the fabric material (e.g.,Neoprene® or a suitable equivalent as above-defined) naturally seeks itsoriginal (unstressed) configuration, thus establishing a snug“interference fit” or “elastic grip” about post 40. In this manner, theremovably attachable storage device 10 is self-securing and no tools orextra parts are required to secure device 10 in place. Due principallyto its anti-slip nature, of the attachment portion 12 fabric material,device 10 remains in place to serve its intended purpose untilpurposefully and forcibly removed from post 40. Notable deformation ofattachment portion, due to its flexible nature and the downwardgravitational force, results in the storage device 10 portions 11 and 12being biased inwardly (toward post 40). Thus, storage portion 15 drapesessentially flat, directly against bedpost 40. This gives the device 10aesthetic appeal as well as well as keeping it physically unobtrusiveand not easily snagged by accident. Beside that, the natural “drape” ofdevice 10 when mounted on post 40 results in a disposition of thedefined pockets 13, 14 at an ideal angle affording a user's easy accessfor deposit and withdrawal of items.

In general application, the substantially annular elastic opening 24defined in attachment portion 12 of storage device 10 naturally clingsor grips tightly about its assigned station (e.g., bedpost or othervertical stanchion). As items are placed within defined pockets 13, 14suspended downwardly along a side of the post or other verticalstanchion, gravity effect due to cumulative weight of said device 10 anditems serves to distort and, as a consequence, additionally tighten theattachment portion 15 grip.

As suggested in FIG. 5, the removably attachable storage device 10 isfirmly engaged with bedpost 40. On storage portion 12 the two definedpockets 13, 14 are depicted as layered front to back, thus limiting theprofile to a width that would only slightly exceeds a bedpost 40 towhich it is affixed. This limits encroachment on the user's sleepingspace. In FIG. 6, eyeglasses 62 and a mobile phone 54 are shown nestedin frontal defined pocket 14. FIGS. 1 and 6 further depict an accessopening 18 defined by fabric edge 17 provided for charger connection 52for electronic device 54 retained within a front defined pocket 14. Thisopening 18 or additional similar openings may be provided as desired. ATV remote control device 64 rests along with penlight 66 in the rearmostdefined pocket 13.

As suggested in FIG. 5, the removably attachable storage device 10 isfirmly engaged with bedpost 40. On storage portion 12 the two definedpockets 13, 14 are depicted as layered front to back, thus limiting theprofile to a width that would only slightly exceeds a bedpost 40 towhich it is affixed. This limits encroachment on the user's sleepingspace. Eyeglasses 62 and a mobile phone 54 are shown nested in frontaldefined pocket 14. FIGS. 1 and 6 further depict an access opening 18defined by fabric edge 17 provided for charger connection 52 forelectronic device 54 retained within a front defined pocket 14. Thisopening 18 or additional similar openings may be provided as desired. ATV remote control device 64 rests along with penlight 66 in the rearmostdefined pocket 13.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to oneor more embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the disclosure and/or the appended claims. Accordingly thescope of the disclosure is to be defined only by the claims appendedhereto, and by their equivalents.

1. A removably attachable storage device for temporary containment ofitems and articles, said storage device comprising an attachment portionand a storage portion, said device further characterized by: saidattachment portion fabricated, at least in part, of a rubbery elasticmaterial; said elastic material distinguished by having at least oneattachment opening defined therein, extending from a front surface ofsaid attachment portion to a rear surface of said attachment portion;said storage portion of said device having at least one pocket cavitydefined therein for temporary containment of items placed therein;whereby said rubbery elastic material opening in said attachment portionmay be stretchably secured in place on a stationary fixture and saidstorage portion can be suspended therefrom for convenient access by auser.
 2. The removably attachable storage device of claim 1, furtherdefined by: said attachment portion and said storage portion aresubstantially unitarily fabricated from a rubbery elastic material. 3.The removably attachable storage device of claim 1 wherein saidattachment portion is fabricated at least in part of polychloroprene. 4.The removably attachable storage device as set forth in claim 2 furtherdefined by: said attachment and storage portions are substantiallyunitarily fabricated from polychloroprene.
 5. The removably attachablestorage device set forth in claim 1, further defined by: said at leastone defined pocket cavity extends generally laterally from adjacent afirst edge of said storage portion and terminates adjacent a second edgeof said storage portion.
 6. The removably attachable storage device setforth in claim 5, further defined as including: multiple overlappingdefined pocket cavities extending generally laterally from adjacent saidfirst edge of said storage portion and terminating adjacent said secondstorage portion edge.
 7. The removably attachable storage device ofclaim 5, further defined by: said attachment portion and said storageportion are substantially unitarily fabricated from a rubbery elasticmaterial.
 8. The removably attached storage device of claim 5 whereinsaid attachment portion is fabricated at least in part ofpolychloroprene.
 9. The removably attached storage device of claim 8wherein said attachment and storage portions are substantially unitarilyfabricated from polychloroprene.
 10. A removably attachable storagedevice for temporary containment of items and articles, said storagedevice comprising an attachment portion and a storage portion, saiddevice further characterized by: said attachment portion fabricated, atleast in part, of a rubbery elastic material; said elastic materialdistinguished by having at least one attachment opening defined thereinso as to extend from a front surface of said attachment portion to arear surface of said attachment portion such that said attachmentportion is configured with a defined annular opening for suspensionabout a stationary fixture; said storage portion of said device havingat least one pocket cavity defined therein for temporary containment ofitems placed therein at a position generally below said attachmentportion; whereby said rubbery elastic material opening in saidattachment portion may be stretchably secured at a location about astationary fixture with said storage portion and contained itemssuspended therebelow such that cumulative weight thereof distort andtighten said elastic opening.
 11. The device set forth in claim 10wherein said attachment portion and said storage portion aresubstantially unitarily fabricated from a rubbery elastic material. 12.The removably attachable storage device of claim 10 wherein saidattachment portion is fabricated at least in part of polychloroprene.13. The removably attachable storage device as set forth in claim 12further defined by: said attachment and storage portions aresubstantially unitarily fabricated from polychloroprene.
 14. The storagedevice of claim 13 further defined by: said defined annular opening isconfigured to be stretchably deformable to cause said attachment portionand storage portion to pull toward one-another; whereby said storageportion and attachment portion of said device will draw closely againstsaid stationary fixture resulting in the device being aesthetic andunobtrusive in use.
 15. The storage device of claim 14 wherein multipleattachment openings of differing sizes are defined in said elasticmaterial so as to be attachable about stationary fixtures ofcorrespondingly different sizes.